Governor Gwen Garcia was disappointed that of the 500 slots intended for Sugbo Negosyo Season 3 beneficiaries, only 259 have been filled.
This means that there are 241 more slots that are up for grabs for micro and small entrepreneurs (MSEs) who are entitled to receive P200,000 in financial assistance from the Capitol under the program.
“Wala ko makontento sa gidaghanon sa mga qualified beneficiaries sa Sugbo Negosyo,” she told the focal persons of the offices of the Provincial Board Members who screened and selected the beneficiaries from across Cebu’s seven legislative districts, including the lone district of Mandaue.
The meeting on January 9 was also attended by Board Member Glenn Anthony Soco and Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president Mark Ynoc, with past presidents Steven Yu and Kelie Ko.
For this season of Sugbo Negosyo, the Capitol allocated a fresh P100 million budget, which will be divided evenly among the 500 qualified beneficiaries. The winner for this season will be the program’s first millionaire, as he or she will bring home P1 million in prizes.
But more than the monetary aid, the program also offers qualified beneficiaries with a rare opportunity to be mentored by the esteemed members of MCCI.
On January 13, the first 259 qualified beneficiaries will receive the first tranche of assistance worth P20,000. The amount, to be contained in quick response or QR-coded cards, is to be spent for the physical improvement of their place of business, such as renovation or beautification of the physical store.
Beneficiaries shall shop for pre-approved items from the Capitol’s partner stores, using the QR-coded cards for payments. This way, Capitol funds are spent solely for their intended purpose as beneficiaries are precluded from purchasing non-essential items such as liquor or cosmetics.
In order to qualify for more fund releases, the beneficiaries must be able to pass the evaluation by the Sugbo Negosyo team and properly liquidate the funds according to COA rules.
Only then can they claim 30,000 pesos for the second tranche, and 150,000 for the third tranche — for the program’s a total assistance of 200,000 pesos.
“I want them to earn more. This is the chance that they are looking for,” Governor Gwen said, urging more SMEs to take advantage of the program.
“Opportunity ni sa mga naningkamot nga mapa-angat. Tabang ni nila,” she said. | JMT